We have had to learn this one the hard way a few times, whether it be for a heating vent, or a toilet placement, it’s important to double and triple check the hidden spots.
Soffits are a great example of this. A kitchen soffit is usually a boxy structure built down off of the ceiling to hide wiring, pipes, or other mechanicals, or to fill the space between the top of your cabinets and the ceiling. Depending on the age of your home they may be very large and perhaps even extend out past the cabinets.
In most modern remodels, space and openness are a main focus, and soffits inhibit this. Before you make the leap and decide to off yours, make sure that it is in fact empty, or that you’re willing to pay to get whatever is in there, moved. I would also be sure to have a professional contractor be the one to inspect your soffit to see that it is safe for removal.

​Another hidden spot that gets us in trouble is basement ceilings, checking which way the beams run so we can place things like toilets or vents. Depending on if they run from front to back or left to right can prevent you from moving plumbing and or running vents from the inside out without having to have a soffit in the basement. 

Luckily we have trouble shot these issues as they came along, but now are more keen to look out for them before they become an issue. If you're thinking about doing some kind of remodel, contact us today, we would love to help you create the space of your dreams. 

Cheers!
-The DesignCents Team

Until I started learning about Kitchens and Design, I had no idea how many unique options there are for creating a beautiful, AND functional space. Kitchens have been around since the beginning, and since then, companies and designers have been coming up with new ways to help you HACK your KITCHEN! 

I love this island, don't you? I love how they combined form with function here to allow more storage and a different look than most islands.  

Theres always a highly suggested option to add wine storage to your kitchen, not only is it super convenient, but it also adds some traditional charm to any kitchen. 

I am also a big fan of paneled appliances, although stainless steel is sleek and modern, theres something to be said about being able to hide all of those appliances in a cabinet. It helps with the coherency of the kitchen, along with the aesthetics! 

I sure hope these sparked your creative interest. As always, if you have questions or would like to get YOUR kitchen started, feel free to give us a call or stop into the showroom! We'd love to schedule your consult today!  

1. Freestanding 
Freestanding islands have a few useful features. Besides the fact that they’re a wee bit smaller than a normal island they can also be much more convenient for smaller spaces, or for general utility and storage. They range from 1/2 feet x 4-6/7 feet. Some of them may move easier than others, but for a space where there just needs to be a little gap filled, it provides the perfect addition to any kitchen. 

They're the perfect amount of shabby chic, the perfect touch of industrial modern, or the most fitted western rustic accessory. Barn doors have become a go to design piece and can be the perfect touch of privacy and so much more. Recently a client came up with the idea of installing barn doors in their custom media center, so we decided to see how that would work out, and in the meantime found some other creative uses for them too! 

1. Media Center
Hide the books, protect the TV, what more could you need?! This is the perfect way to stylishly childproof the living room, or to just create an atmosphere sans-TV! Hoe great would that be!? 
The media cabinet on the left can be found at World Market. 

2. Pantry Door
How cute is this?! I love the chalkboard for meal planning or other shenanigans. There are plenty of different options to consider as well. Seeded glass can go so nicely on the pantry and is out of the way and glamorous. 

3. The kitchen island / small nook 

Staying in the kitchen realm I thought this was such an adorable idea for a rustic kitchen, I feel like an ornate chicken belongs in the middle of this thing. 

Thanks for reading! Hope this sparked some creativity! 

I was reading through my favorite Newsletter by Houzz this morning and stumbled upon this great article. I have really been noticing these trends lately with my clients and thought they'd be fun to highlight here. Houzz met with some of the top designers to make this list and I am so excited for the year ahead and making some dreamy kitchens for you all! 

One of my favorites this year is colored cabinetry. I love a client who will venture out there and go for a bold color in their kitchen. Sometimes it's fun to add a splash of color in the backsplash or in the plumbing accents, but how incredible does it look when it's the whole kitchen? Bright colors like blue really open up a space, Red's and pinks can draw the perfect amount of attention to an area, or round out a space. Who wants to try?!

Houzz also highlighted personalization. They mentioned, along with the colorful cabinets, that we see more people adding rugs, or fun custom touches; gold handles, fun colored fridges or accents. It's all part of the creative spark and personalized touch. 

Flat panel cabinets are nothing new to Europe but really starting to make a splash here. I appreciate them because they make everything feel clean and minimalist. They are sheek and can blend with any style as you can see in the pictures! 

New fun patterns are beginning to emerge in kitchen backsplashes. Things like herringbone tile or fun hexagon shapes are becoming more and more popular. It gives so much extra life and character to the kitchen, and looks great too! 


I hope this article inspired you, maybe to do a little spring refresh or paint up some of the cabinets in your kitchen. To find the entire article, you can click the link at the end! If you have any questions or want to start a project feel free to give me a call! 

1. Add a Chandelier or some fun Pendants

Lighting can make or break a space. Adding a fun chandelier, some pendants or even just replacing your existing lighting can be easy, affordable and completely transform and refresh your space! 
If you're going for an elegant touch, a chandelier above the tub is my new favorite thing to do! 
The options are truly endless when it comes to new lighting, maybe just throw a lamp in there, who knows what kind of eclectic touch your bathroom might need! 

2. Change out your Vanity-- add a fun faucet and sink!

The coolest thing about vanities is, if you try hard enough, they can be made from anything! An old dresser, a bench, a bucket? Really! Make it your own! I love the idea of an old desk as a vanity with a vessel sink, wouldn't that be darling? I love how much the look of the bathroom above changed just by changing out the vanity to lighten up the space! How cool! 

3. Add some fun accessories! 

Ever thought about just changing out your mirrors, perhaps moving a medicine cabinet or adding a lamp or some flowers? Small touches like this can go a long way and do wonders on a small bathroom! Guests notice attention to detail and adorable personalized touches! 


Now go get re-modeling! Call me with questions or advice! Let's do your bathroom too! 

So you've decided to redecorate a room in your home. You start your search for new decor, excited and eager to freshen things up...until you see all of your choices. With so many colors and ideas out there starting a new project can be overwhelming. Where to start? Choose a color scheme. Here are some easy tips to help you narrow down that growing pile of options.

Make your home feel new again with a throw pillow, new paint, or a few pieces of art. Add some fresh design elements to your space and breathe new life into the room. Modifications don't have to be giant projects. We believe they can be easy and budget-friendly. Here are three fun ways to make a room feel fresh.

#1 Add Some Throw Pillows
Have a living room or bedroom calling out for a fresh look? Introducing a few new throw pillows is a quick and easy fix. This is a fun and inexpensive way to add new colors and design styles to your space. Need some ideas? We can help you blend the right colors, patterns and textures for an effortless, yet coordinated look.​








#2 Refresh Your Drapery
Adding new drapery to a living room, dining room or bedroom is an easy, yet dramatic way to breathe new life into an old space. Choosing the right color, texture and placement are crucial when it comes to drapery. Working with drapes can be a bit challenging, but well worth the effort. If done correctly, drapes can make an existing space much more interesting.

#3 Update or Add a Gallery Wall
This design element has been gaining major popularity lately. Adding a Gallery Wall is a great way to show off your tastes, interests and family. No matter the size, adding a gallery wall instantly adds style to any wall. When creating your wall, don't be afraid to mix different sizes, shapes and styles. You want this wall to be fun and interesting. Most importantly, make your wall represent you!




A room should be both creative and practical. Every detail truly makes a difference. So add some color, introduce new pieces, and most importantly, have a little fun
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